Tivoli Lodge, 39 Beulah Hill

Built in 1830 by Decimus Burton

Tivoli Lodge is the sole survivor of the Beulah Spa founded at Upper Norwood in 1831.  This was late in the history of spas which were beginning to decline as Londoners "grew tired of water-drinking".  The spa was built around a 12-foot deep pure saline well whose water was analysed by the famous Michael Faraday.  Its main active constituent was magnesium sulphate (Epsom Salt).

The pump room and other spa buildings were designed by acclaimed architect Decimus Burton, whose elegant villas also survive at Tunbridge Wells.  Beulah was a typical early Victorian pleasure resort with all the gimmicks of the age including a maze, a camera obscura and an archery ground. The thirty acres included undulating lawns, carriage drives and many winding footpaths with magnificent views over the Surrey hills.

Despite its attractions, Beulah Spa was very short-lived and fell victim to the formidable competition of the re-erected Crystal Palace nearby.  The spa closed in 1855, the well was filled and the buildings were finally demolished in 1876.  The site was gradually engulfed by suburban development although a hotel and hydro remained until 1939, replaced by the Beulah Spa public house.

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Friday, 25 July, 2008

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